November 28th, 2011 → 3:48 pm @ Gabe // One Comment

If you haven’t seen the article “Best Buy Tests Home Energy Market” from the ACHR News you should check it out. Apparently the mega retailer is moving into the home energy sector complete with products, service offerings, and a free online energy assessment. The Geek Squad can help you out with your heating and cooling as well as your desktop. Are contractors concerned? Should they be?

The free online energy assessment Best Buy is offering takes about 5 min to complete and takes into consideration things such as the age of the equipment, insulation, windows, etc. once the survey is complete the computer produces a report that outlines what products could be replaced and estimates the payback.

Although the online audit system considers the heating and cooling systems, the survey and its post-questionnaire suggestions don’t discuss equipment replacement possibilities for either system.  The largest piece of heating and cooling equipment the company sells are room a/c units, so they can’t compete when it comes to larger units.

The article notes, “The online services being offered seem more directly focused on saving energy and alleviating the electricity grid. The in-home energy audit offered by the Geek Squad, however, steps a little further into the HVAC contractor’s territory.”

So is Best Buy’s new service a game changer? I would say no, but it is definitely something to check out and be aware of. If you are worried about the extra competition on the market make sure you distinguish your business by displaying your service, expertise, and specialized skilled workers.

 

Tags: ACHR News, Best Buy, Competitors, hvac